September 6, 2010

Michael Fox doesnâ€™t claim to be the inventor of the dulcijo, but he certainly plays the hybrid instrument like itâ€™s all his own.

Fox, 54, of Hickory, started experimenting several years ago on the design of an instrument with the neck of a dulcimer and the drum of a banjo, and after infusing the right parts in each instrument into one music-maker, the dulcijo was born.

â€śIt finally, after about five or 10 years, came together,â€ť Fox said. â€śI just came up with this name, and I thought it was unique.â€ť

September 6, 2010

The Catawba County Animal Shelter is expected to reopen today after a 13-day cleaning process to rid the facility of a deadly illness.

Catawba County Emergency Services Director Bryan Blanton will present an update about the shelterâ€™s reopening Tuesday during the Catawba County Board of Commissioners regular meeting.

Catawba County Animal Services Manager Jay Blatche said Monday the sanitation process, which includes cleaning the building with bleach, antimicrobial agents and a pressure washer, is on schedule, and the facility is expected to reopen today.

September 6, 2010

The 2010 hurricane season is under way, and a stormâ€™s path of travel could affect the severity of its destruction in Catawba County.

â€śWe actually worry more about (storms) that come from the Gulf Coast,â€ť said Karyn Yaussy, Catawba County Emergency Management coordinator.
Hurricane Hugo, the 1989 storm that devastated parts of western North Carolina and caused more than $7 billion in damage, traveled near the Gulf Coast and across the Appalachian Mountains.

September 6, 2010

The water line break in Newton was a challenge for the cityâ€™s Public Works employees.

â€śThat was the worst leak Iâ€™ve seen,â€ť said Tim Abernethy, Newton Water Plant supervisor. â€śIâ€™ve seen some come close, but not that bad.â€ť

Crews worked more than 24 hours to repair the pipe that broke around 3 a.m. Aug. 24, and the incident, which cost the city millions of gallons of water, was a learning experience for everyone involved.